Monthly Archives: November 2017

Previous research has predicted a significant rise in sea levels over the next several centuries as a result of climate change. A new study from PLOS ONE shows how sea-level rise could impact vast numbers of archaeological and historic sites,…

Modern conventions such as work and school schedules dictate the daily lives of city dwellers. But a new study shows that sunrise and sunset still influence urban activity. Like many other organisms, humans have an internal biological clock that helps…

Most whales, dolphins and porpoises are thought to shed and replace their skin continuously. However, this may not be true of Arctic species — including beluga whales, narwhal and bowhead whales — that seasonally occupy warmer waters such as estuaries…

Purification of genetic material — DNA and RNA — from organisms has always been a lengthy, expensive procedure requiring specialized laboratory equipment. While the process might have applications from diagnostics to genotyping, these practical considerations have previously limited its usage.…

New model estimates odds of events that trigger sudden cardiac death A new computational model of heart tissue allows researchers to estimate the probability of rare heartbeat irregularities that can cause sudden cardiac death. The new study, published in PLOS…

“I was captivated by the marvels of the Galapagos Islands, and through them, Darwin’s writings on evolution. How glorious, that endless forms most beautiful and wonderful are wrought with neither knowledge nor intent! And how profoundly tragic, that the font…

Microorganisms can play big roles in geological processes. Previous studies have shown that microbes’ metabolic activities can alter their microenvironment and sometimes induce processes such as mineral precipitation and dissolution. However, many questions remain about how microbes interact with their…

Reducing the burden of neglected tropical diseases requires investments in basic research Neglected tropical diseases and malaria kill more than 800,000 people annually and create long-term disability in millions more. Developing support measures to tackle these deadly and disabling diseases…

A new PLOS Pathogens study describes how dengue virus may cause blood vessel leakage. Researchers conducted a battery of tests to pin down the mechanism by which the virus causes this potentially fatal damage. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease…

A new PLOS ONE study demonstrates the benefits of preventing fishing in even lightly fished areas of the Australian Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest network of marine reserves in the world, and includes…